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UK's Phillips out at end of season

A day after the University of Kentucky football Wildcats were shut out at home against Vanderbilt, 40-0, athletic director Mitch Barnhart issued an “Open Letter to Big Blue Nation” informing fans that a coaching change will be made at the end of the season.

Head coach Joker Phillips and the Cats are 1-9 on the season and 0-7 in Southeastern Conference play this season. The team’s only win came in the second week of the season at home against Kent State.

In his letter to fans, Barnhardt said he “determined that it is in the best interest of our athletics program” for Phillips to leave the team at the end of the season.

Phillips has been head coach of the Wildcats since Jan. 2010. He has been with UK for almost 22 years as a player and a coach, Barnhardt said in his letter.

Barnhardt said the search for a new head coach will begin immediately and will be managed by the university.

The Wildcats have a bye week before facing Samford at home and the University of Tennessee on the road to close out the season.

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